Cape Coral officials are considering budget options, including potential spending reductions and a hiring freeze for non-public safety positions, as they prepare the city’s fiscal 2027 budget.
Evan Williams
Cape Coral implemented a hiring freeze for nonpublic safety positions as city leaders prepare for uncertainty surrounding a proposed statewide property tax ballot measure and continue developing the fiscal 2027 budget. City Manager Michael Ilczyszyn said police and fire positions remain exempt from the freeze. During a budget workshop, staff presented options that included adjusting the property tax rate, increasing fire service assessments or public service taxes, and reducing spending. One scenario prioritized public safety first, infrastructure second and quality-of-life services third, identifying about $12.9 million in potential reductions across several departments. No cuts have been approved. Additional budget workshops are planned before public hearings in September and adoption of the fiscal 2027 budget, WINK News reports.